Monday, July 25, 2005

Exposing myself...

Not literately...but figuratively. Im generaly on the reserved side when it comes talking about myself. Ive always found it more interesting just to listen...you can learn a great deal with an open ear. But this is about me!

Where to begin? In a short time, it'll all be over; school that is. Im probably (or rather hopefully) a month shy of finishing my master's capstone and then onto the "real world." If you want to check out the project, you're more than welcome too here, the website just hasnt been updated in a while, but Ill get to it eventually. When its over, there's a good chance Ill head to the west coast like everyone else I know...I don't think Sherene would mind all too much, though I know she would prefer moving to Austin. The industry just isn't there yet...yet. But, Cali is closer to home for her so it'll be cheaper flights and shorter flights (have you ever been on a plane for over 14 hours while being sleep deprived for 30...it sucks!).

About Sherene...go here!. She's finishing up her PhD in Higher Ed., though she is already ready to quit. Im not going to let her ( you hear me!). Doctor Sherene...I doubt Ill ever get used to that =) Now about us...we've been together for close to 4 years now...it doesn't really seem that long. There are two questions that I continually get asked by my friends and her's: When is the date? and Do you feel you've given up a lot settling down so early?. Ill tackle the first one because thats truly the easiest, cause I will give the same answer I always give...when the time is right(really its just a technicality, but I know Sherene's getting tired of all the questions(read badgering) from her friends). I just want it to be right; the wedding, the honeymoon, and the stuff after and that takes money and time...both of which we do not have presently.

As for the other question...not a single day goes by that I think things couldve been better if I had not met Sherene. Ive changed because of her(I eat seafood now)...I want to be a better person because of her...I want her to be as happy as she made me. I know it sounds cliche, but thats the way it really is. There is no "grass is greener on the other side", only weeds. Now, I would be lying if I said there aren't possibilities(Ive been asked to clarify this...I dont deal in absolutes and it would be naive of me to assume things will always stay the same) but right now and in the foreseeable future...Im happy and I don't see a reason to question it. So I look forward to another 4 years and many more after that =)

What else has happened recently...? Obviously there is my induction into the "Weez Crew". Named after its master of ceremonies. She is by far one of the coolest friends I have ever met. She knows how to express herself in any number of ways, each with their own unique Weezesque flair. Her kids(Aidan, Conner, and Gabriel)...what can you say about them...Energizer bunnies I tell you! But it wouldnt be the same without them, they are as much a part of the crew as anyone. Now onto the brothers: Matieu and Pauly. You would think that there would be a considerable amount of similarities between these two seeing as how they are twins and all, but they are very distinct. Paul's in Spain right now, while Matt is about to take a trip to Africa...they are true world travelers and it shows. They have a true appreciation for...well everything. Every experience they get, everything they eat, everything they see, and every friend they have. Though, this is but the tip of the iceberg for the force known as the Walter Brothers, more of an experience that must be taken in small doses(kidding guys).

Then we have this friend, Eli...he's in Japan right now. A smart and goofy introvert...just a cool guy! Hmmm...I wonder how he'll be when he comes back in about a month. Im not expecting anything drastic, just a new respect for certain things. Overseas travel does that to you. New culture, new traditions, new food(Sherene knows Im all about the food)...new people. The most recent member would have to be Alex. Alex seems to be the most together out of the regulars in the lab, even though he may stress out about everything. He always seems to take on more than most people are able and successfully plan, organize, juggle, and stay on top of everything that he has going. I have a lot of professional respect for what he does and at the same time Im glad I can call him a friend since he is another one of the guys, like Eli, that is just fun to hang out with.

Last but certainly not least (figured I would give her her own section) my newest friend Hye Yon. Fun, just fun. The very first day we met, she insisted that she give me a piggy-back ride. And its been that way ever since. She may seem active and wild on the outside, she's quite different in private. And she's changed quite a bit since Ive met her. She's questioning, always questioning what life has in store for her...what can she do for her friends...how can she help people who need it...its inspiring actually. Her self-reflection rubs off on you and helps you examine your own life from a new perspective...hmmm...
And thats the regular crew...theres some transient visitors here and there: Eric (the 1st Walter brother), Ari, and a few more. They have all taught me how to relax and just enjoy today...take in everything and not worry about tomorrow except for when we can do it again =)

Now I can't finish this entry without talking about the other two ladies in my life...they would be quite angry with me if I didnt, it just wouldnt be the same without them anyways. First and foremost there's Sherene's sister Sharon. Thankfully for everyone, she was able to find a job before her OPT ran out and she gets to stay...yay! She truly has become the sister I never had. She knows Ill be there for her for any advice she needs or just someone to hang out with. Then there's Michele, Sherene's roommate and one of our best friends whom we've known pretty much since our relationship began. And rightfully so, she has become Sher's and mine confidant, and us her's. We can pretty much tell each other anything: relationships, future, friends, family...anything. These ladies are just fun to be around and truly are my best friends...besides I need someone to test out my cooking on =)

I know I said this would be about me and it is. These are the people that help shape my life now. There are others: my parents, my brother, friends that have come and gone and that I still talk to...too numerous to count. And to each I say I wish I could thank each one personally here, but I doubt people want to read this entry much longer. Two weeks ago, one of my friends, Claire, basically said that I looked "calm" and different from the last time she saw me...more easy-going. Even though I think I might have quickly changed her mind about that, she's was actually right. I feel different. I act different. I look at things different. And I know the reason...


...Im happy...